Proverbs 13:24
He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Ever notice what happens when you allow bad behavior to go unchecked with your children? Notice that without correction and discipline your children continue with said unfavorable behavior and even get worse?
God is the perfect parent. Just as our children need diligent and prompt correction and redirection so do we! God will not tolerate poor behavior on our part. Disobedience needs to be corrected promptly before it gets completely out of hand.
The farther away we get from the right path, the harder it is to get back on course. My thoughts are that as much as we must keep ourselves on the right path (with God's leading, direction, and correction), we must also love our children onto the same right path. This includes prompt discipline.
If you are struggling with poor behavior in your children and it doesn't let up regardless of what you do to correct them, perhaps you need to reexamine the situation. Perhaps the child is confused. Perhaps you are sending mixed messages to your child. Are the things you yourself display the same things your child struggles with? Many times we see where we are faltering in our own walk when we look at our children. They display what we ourselves are showing. They are our image. If you do not like what you see in your children, perhaps you need to take a close look at yourself.
What are your actions, your lifestyle, teaching them? Is your language clean? Are you having outbursts of anger? Are your words rude, hateful, hurtful? Everything you say and do, how you respond to things, all of it makes up the examples our children learn from. No matter what you tell your children they should or should not do or say, your actions will speak volumes louder to them.
There should be no double standard here. God has set the perfect example for us to follow. He Himself does not do nor say things that He would not want us to do or say. Why should we place ourselves above the law, as it were, and our children below? If God doesn't hold double standards for us we have no right to do so for our children!
If you are still wondering how to parent, how to respond to your children, how to teach them, simply open your Bible and read God's word. Learn who God is and what He expects from YOU as His child. Set the same standards for your children. Parent your children the same way God, our ultimate Father, parents you.
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
God's loving correction and redirection for His children are clear, and at times can be harsh by our standards. But God only does what He has to do to get our attention and get us back on track. He doesn't do more than needed, and He will not do less. Sometimes, when we refuse to listen to Him, He allows us to fall on our face. Yet, our beloved Abba never says "I told you so." Instead He is simply there with outstretched arms ready and waiting for us to come running back to Him.
Love your children the way God loves you. And be willing to change yourself, if need be, so that you can display the right examples for your children to live by. It's not just for them that you set this example, but also for yourself. By strengthening your faith and relationship with God, you are showing your children a wonderful example - putting God first in all things is the first step in keeping your feet on the right path, God's path, through life.
14 October 2012
04 August 2012
What Even a Little Doubt Can Do
Matthew 14:28-32
And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And Peter had come out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His had him, and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Peter started out with such faith as to know that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) - including walking on water to the Lord and Savior. He believed that if the Lord says it, it is possible. But the moment we take our focus off Jesus is the same moment we give and opening to two of the devil's - fear and doubt. Fear and doubt go hand in hand. The moment we let in doubt and fear we begin to sink. And it doesn't take but a drop of fear and doubt to pull us under. Only our faith in the Lord can lift us back up.
As soon as Peter began to sink he called out to Jesus to save him. Likewise, we need to call out to Jesus the moment we are in trouble. Notice that the instant Peter called out to Jesus, Jesus stretched out His hand to him. He came to where Peter was and lifted him up. He did not make Peter do or say anything, did not ask for promises, did not make a bargain with him. Jesus' instant response was to reach out to Peter. When we call out to God for help He is faithful and immediate in response. He will not allow us to drown. Yet we are the ones who much reach out in faith to Him.
Jesus asked Peter a question that wasn't answered. He said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Why did Peter doubt? Why did he start sinking? Because he allowed fear of the storm, the wind, around him to take his focus off his beloved Savior.
We need to keep our faith in the Lord strong and unfailing. We have no reason to fear if the Lord is in us. For if the Lord is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) Hold your faith in Christ Jesus as close and tight to you as you can. It is your shield. Flawless faith will cover you completely. Only our faith quenches any dart from Satan and his army. (Ephesians 6:16) He is relentless and takes pleasure in waiting patiently for the distractions he tosses at us to get our attention and cause us to let down our shield even just a little bit. He is waiting for any moment to make a successful hit with the darts of doubt and fear.
FEAR NO EVIL FOR THE LORD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.
(Psalm 23:4, Joshua 1:9)
23 July 2012
Encouragement in the Midst of Persecution
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
So many attacks on Christians for their faith. Christ foretold our persecutions.
John 15:18-25
If the world hate, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without cause.
John 13:16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
We are no greater than Christ. If He suffered rejection and persecution it should be no surprise to us that we suffer the same. Remember, though, it is not us that people are rejection. It is Christ. It is Truth and Life they are pushing away. Lovers of darkness do not want the Light to reveal their sins. Darkness hates the Light.
John 3:19-20
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Jesus is the Light of the world.
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Ephesians 4:17-24
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Do not believe the lies that tell you you are not good enough to be used by God.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Keep walking the narrow path. Keep following Christ. In so doing you are a beacon of light for those who struggle in darkness. Those who seek the light can find Him. We are to point the way to Jesus.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Wear the armour of God and in Him you are provided with everything you need to stay the course before you.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
My prayer for you is that you remain strong in the Lord and never cease seeking His face. Stay strong, beloveds! God will never abandon you! And He has already provided for you all that you need. He is all sufficient.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
So many attacks on Christians for their faith. Christ foretold our persecutions.
John 15:18-25
If the world hate, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without cause.
John 13:16
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
We are no greater than Christ. If He suffered rejection and persecution it should be no surprise to us that we suffer the same. Remember, though, it is not us that people are rejection. It is Christ. It is Truth and Life they are pushing away. Lovers of darkness do not want the Light to reveal their sins. Darkness hates the Light.
John 3:19-20
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Jesus is the Light of the world.
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Ephesians 4:17-24
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Do not believe the lies that tell you you are not good enough to be used by God.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Keep walking the narrow path. Keep following Christ. In so doing you are a beacon of light for those who struggle in darkness. Those who seek the light can find Him. We are to point the way to Jesus.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Wear the armour of God and in Him you are provided with everything you need to stay the course before you.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
My prayer for you is that you remain strong in the Lord and never cease seeking His face. Stay strong, beloveds! God will never abandon you! And He has already provided for you all that you need. He is all sufficient.
20 July 2012
Backsliding?
Were you walking with God and have now backslid? Are you finding yourself back into old habits? Perhaps you are feeling God could not possibly take you back now. Perhaps it seems to you that because you already knew Him and have gone back to your old ways, fallen into the old traps of temptations, that God would not, nor could not, have mercy on you. This is a lie! Another fabrication the devil is using to try to keep you away from your glorious Savior's embrace! Do not believe it!! Our God is merciful and compassionate without weariness.
James 5:11e The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
Turn back to the Lord. Do not let your fears, lies the devil has told you, from seeking Him again.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his though, let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
God never breaks His promises. He is holy and just, compassionate and merciful. Come back. I urge you to run back and fling yourself upon Him. Earnestly repent and He will deliver you. He has seen all and knows your heart. Nothing you bring to Him is a surprise to Him. He is simply waiting for your return. Waiting with arms wide open. Be restored, Beloved. Drink deep of the Living Waters and be renewed. Healing and comfort are but a breath away. Call to Him and He is there.
Isaiah 57:14-19 And one shall say, "Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people." For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him."
James 5:11e The Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
Turn back to the Lord. Do not let your fears, lies the devil has told you, from seeking Him again.
Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his though, let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
God never breaks His promises. He is holy and just, compassionate and merciful. Come back. I urge you to run back and fling yourself upon Him. Earnestly repent and He will deliver you. He has seen all and knows your heart. Nothing you bring to Him is a surprise to Him. He is simply waiting for your return. Waiting with arms wide open. Be restored, Beloved. Drink deep of the Living Waters and be renewed. Healing and comfort are but a breath away. Call to Him and He is there.
Isaiah 57:14-19 And one shall say, "Heap it up! Heap it up! Prepare the way, take the stumbling block out of the way of My people." For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness I was angry and struck him; I hid and was angry, and he went on backsliding in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near," says the Lord, "and I will heal him."
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